“Just what I thought, sir. But I read some of it and, I don’t know, it had a sort of a feel about it. Something new, sir, it might catch on.”
“All right, all right. That’s enough. You’re a salesman. You’ve sold me.”
“On the book?” Ben was surprised.
“Quit pulling an old man’s leg, Ben. I’m sold on your needing a vacation. I’ll fill out
your vacation pass right now.” The Old Man, still a vigorous, vital figure, turned and walked back to his Desk-sec. “Yes sir,” said the secretarial voice, “got it. Vacation clearance for Tilman, Ben, any resort.”
“And family,” said Ben.
“And family. Very good, sir.”
The Old Man made his sign on the pass and said heavily, “All right then, Ben. That’s it. Maybe if you go back up to that place for a few days and see that psycho who was writing a book again, perhaps you’ll realize how impractical it is.”
“But sir! I’m serious about that book. It really did have—” he broke off.